ISO Certification is a kind of approval from a 3rd party that a company runs to one of the internationally recognized ISO management systems. The certification can be used by the business as a proof of its credibility and also to install confidence in the potential client that the company will keep its promises.

ISO Beneficiaries:

ISO certification is a statement to the company’s stakeholders, employees and senior management that the business wishes to operate to a set framework in order to achieve its company objectives. Be these be customer satisfaction objectives, production objectives or environmental objectives etc. By setting itself the task of maintaining an external certification the company is proving its commitment to these objectives as well as increasing the credibility and customer confidence in the brand / service or product.

For example by running a quality management system, a company can stay in control of its processes and procedures, ensure if anything does go wrong it is rectified quickly, efficiently and to the satisfaction of the customer. It can also ensure a smooth line of communication between employees, suppliers and customers at all times.

ISO Certification in applying TENDERS:

Many public and private sector tenders request ISO certification as either a pre-requisite to moving to the next stage or as a filter to remove companies (which do not have ISO) from the tender process. By achieving the ISO certification it gives surety to the company that they are on a ‘level playing field’ with their potential competitors and improves their chances of successfully tendering.

SIX CORE PRINCIPLES OF ISO CERTIFICATION

Document Control

Issuing a document with a reference and version number to ensure that the right document, is in the right place, at the right time.

Record Control

A record is a completed document. Record control is an efficient method of finding individual records. It can also refer to how you file, remove, archive and destroy individual records.

Internal Review

An in-depth review of your management system, to ensure you are on track for your end of year validation audit. This also ensures the company satisfies internal audit requirements laid out in the standard.

Non-Conformance

A non-conformance is when something happens within the business that wasn’t planned. This could be: Internal E.g Out of date process / procedure, human error etc. External E.g Customer complaints, supplier issues etc.

Corrective Action

A plan created by management to rectify a non-conformance (see above), and to prevent it from recurring

Preventative Action

An action to clarify and address potential risks to the business, with a view to reduce future non-conformances.